MESH Guide to Marine Habitat Mapping
The MESH Guide aims to provide a methodological framework
for marine habitat mapping so that future mapping studies will
produce high quality data and maps which are inter-compatible and
their outputs can be assimilated into common, harmonised
The MESH Guide has six sections explaining the steps to
producing and using seabed habitat maps.
What Is Habitat
Describes concepts of habitats
and habitat mapping, and outlines the main issues end-users need to
understand to ensure the products are fit for purpose.
Guides a user through the
planning stage of a mapping programme to ensure that the final
products are fit-for-purpose and deliver the information
Describes the operation and array
of sampling and surveying techniques, to ensure quality so data can
be understood and compared with confidence.
Describes how to integrate the
outputs from surveys with additional information to create a seabed
habitat map that is fit for purpose.
Explains how to assess the
accuracy and confidence of habitat maps.
Presents examples of the
practical use of habitat maps, offers examples of how to make use
of habitat maps beyond their original purpose, and suggests how to
ensure maps are preserved for use in future studies.